Identification of class I MHC-associated phosphopeptides as targets for cancer immunotherapy

Authors:
Zarling AL, Polefrone JM, Evans AM, Mikesh LM, Shabanowitz J, Lewis ST, Engelhard VH, Hunt DF
In:
Source: Proc Natl Acad Sci USA
Publication Date: (2006)
Issue: 103(40): 14889-94
Research Area:
Cancer Research/Cell Biology
Immunotherapy / Hematology
Cells used in publication:
MC-38
Species: mouse
Tissue Origin: colon
Platform:
Nucleofector® I/II/2b
Experiment
MC38AAD cells were transiently transfected with 2 or 4 µg of phIRS2-GFP or 2 µg pmaxGFP. Cells were used to stimulate CD8+ T lymphocytes 48 h after transfection.
Abstract
Alterations in phosphorylation of cellular proteins are a hallmark of malignant transformation. Degradation of these phosphoproteins could generate cancer-specific class I MHC-associated phosphopeptides recognizable by CD8(+) T lymphocytes. In a comparative analysis of phosphopeptides presented on the surface of melanoma, ovarian carcinoma, and B lymphoblastoid cells, we find 5 of 36 that are restricted to the solid tumors and common to both cancers. Differential presentation of these peptides can result from differential phosphorylation of the source proteins. Recognition of the peptides on cancer cells by phosphopeptide-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes validates the potential of these phosphopeptides as immunotherapeutic targets.